Colors of Peace comes to the Seattle Center, Fisher Pavilion for its first celebration in the United States honoring the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21st
After many long hours, the exhibit is complete, just before the formal opening ceremony begins in the Armory Building.
1000 works from Seattle area school kids are joined by over 200 works of art from 20 countries on loan from the permanent Colors of Peace collection in Italy.
Zeynep Alev, Creative Director of the International Children's Friendship Festival donated 44 pieces to represent Turkey, from the American Turkish Academy students. Zeynep also attended on behalf of John Gokcen, Honorary Consul, Consulate of Turkey.
"Peace is not the absence of war. Peace is the presence of harmony, love, satisfaction and oneness."
The opening ceremony begins with music by local musician Bill Young, "My love is stronger than your hate will ever be"...
Respected representatives from the world's most loved religions share a blessing and benediction to start the event. Father Richard Luberti from Sacred Heart of Jesus begins.
Ajahn Ritthi of Atammaytarama Buddhist Monastery
Hakku Ron Rivard, The Inayati Order of Sufism
And finally Pastor Patrinell Wright of the Total Experience Gospel Choir (retired)
Who shares her blessing in song.
The Peace Run team sings
A moment of silence shared by all. Much like the United Nations General Assembly that begins and ends with one minute of silence.
Kate Baumgartner represents Senator Patty Murray's office and shares a message of unity in celebrating the UN International Day of Peace and in expressing pride in the contributions of all the young artists in Washington State who participated in Colors of Peace.
Garrett Moore represents Congressman Adam Smiths office and also shared a congratulatory letter.
Colors of Peace was also joined by members of the Consular Corp of Washington who joined the event to celebrate the International Day of Peace and their support of continued friendship and peace among nations. Mr. Daravuth Huoth, Honorary Consul of the Consulate of Cambodia.
Mr. Victor Lapatinskas, Honorary Consul of the Consulate of Lithuania
Katalin Pearman, Honorary Consul of the Consulate of Hungary
Mr. Phillipe Goetschel, Honorary Consul of the Consulate of Switzerland shared the translation of 'peace' in multiple languages.
Mr. AC Sherpa, Honorary Consul of the Consulate of Nepal
Mr. Fernando Jauregui, Special Assistant to the Consul General, Consulate of Peru
Ms. Lynn Shiori Miyauchi, Cultural Affairs, Sister Cities and Public Outreach
Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle
Mr. Michael Biggins, Honorary Consul, Consulate of Slovenia
Ms. Claudia Gatica, Consul General, Consulate of Guatemala
Ms. Teresa Indelak Davis, Honorary Consul, Consulate of Poland
Ms. Davis addresses the audience and speaks on behalf of the Consular Association of Washington, President.
The opening ceremony ends and...
the Parade of Nations begins.
Kristiina Hiukka, Vice Honorary Consul, Consulate of Finland. Kristiina also attended on behalf of Mr. Pedro Costa, Honorary Consul, Consulate of Brazil.
Carola Quilodran, attending with Carlos Quilodran, attending on behalf of the Consulate of Chile
The Parade of Nations arrives at Colors of Peace.
Nepal, Poland, Lithuania, Finland and Mr. Mark Gantar, Honorary Consul of Ethiopia, stand together at the Colors of Peace.
This one is mine, a young artist expresses her vision of peace in art.
This young artist posts her work for peace with Bangladesh youth.
Young local artists from Lowell School, Montlake Elementary, Kingston Middle School and Northgate Elementary School.
Seahawks for peace!
Pat Wright make a special visit to the exhibit on Sunday.
Thank you Pat for all you have done over the last five decades!
